THE AIR PERIL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2698, 18 February 1916, Page 5

THE AIR PERIL

DEBATE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS AMENDMENT TO THE ADDRESS MINISTERIAL REPLY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (li-ec. February I'i, 8.5 p.m.) London, February 16. The House of Commons was crowded to bear the discussion oil Mr. Joynson Micks's amendment to the Address-in-Ucply. "That this House regrets that the Speech from the Throne contained no mention of proposals for placing our air service on a firmer basis." The mover said that the new arm lia<3 revolutionised warfare. Mr. "Winston Churchill, in March, 1914, bad referred to a "swarm of hornets which could .ittaek any visiting Zeppelin." Whcro were they? At preseut, our airmen on the Western front were outclassed. x A letter from a member of Parliament at the front describes the German machines as cruising slowly out of their lines, and treating with contompt our anti-aircraft guns. Our air servico should be under the control of one man. It was absolutely necessary to know who was responsible for the air service. .Lord French had'quite enough to do without this. When the Zeppelins were last bere they passed the coast, in broad daylight, flying very low, but the anti-aircraft corps, still armed with guns that had been used in the Goer "War was utterly useless. A strong offensive would be much better than a defensives warfare. The Government's Reply. Mr. 'lenucnb (Under-Secretary for War), in reply, said that the air service was being constautly developed. It was intended for offensive, not for defensive purposes. The most that could be done was to protect our vubierablo points in such a way that the enemies' losses would be so great as to act as a deterrent. He would not give any assurance as to whether the Government had grasped the gravity of the situation, but would simply state what action the Government had taken. It had made strides towards providing proper'tiefences, .but a system of defence for every part of tho British Isles could nevor be complete. "From to-day," he added, "the Navy will deal with all hostile aircraft attempting to reach the country, and tlio Army, with all aircraft which might reach the shores. A Standing Naval and Military Committee will be formed to co-ordinate questions of supply and materials. Admiral Sir Percy Scott will be transferred to the Wiir Office to command the air gunnery section; the' Minister of Munitions will be responsible for the armament of our aerial defences, and steps will be taken to give more adequate warnings of raids." fie protested against the panic which speakers in the debate had endeavoured to create, and assured tlie House that everything was being done to pro mice more aeroplanes, guns, and "pilots for this grave menace. <

Sir Herbert Samuel (Home Secretary) said that the restrictions-on-lighting order had been practically applied to the wholo of England, and a system of warnings liad been nearly completed. He had also given greater liberty to the Press in the • reporting of tire actual circumstances of a raid. The whole world should know the truth about these murderous outrages. Mr. Balfour (First Lord of the Admiralty) said that the progress of the Dying Force had been prodigious, as everybody know. We were still behindhand, but orders had been given wbe>ever_ possible, and the manufacturing possibilities of Britain, her Allies, and America had been used to the utmost. They were not yet supplying our full orders. Everyone desired aggressive action, especially the Government, but fliis required powerful machines, which were difficult to obtain quickly. Every nerve was being strained to tlie utmost to get the ne'ccssary guns for air defence, and it was utterly misleading to say that the Government had shown any neglect': The improvements would go on. He was .sorry they hadn't . developed the right lighter-than-air ship, not so much for aggression or defenco, as for maritime and other scouting purposes. _ v The Germans had the advantage of vis. in this matter, .which, we were 'doing our best to remove. The Admiralty had considered the possibility of Zeppelins partaking in a fleet action.

Mr. Bonar Law (Minister for tha Colonies), speaking as member of the War Council, said that the Council had special sources of information, and had made inquiries. He was surprised thatthere no greater defects in the air services, since we had been so unprepared for this kind of struggle. There was the greatest need for engines. He had recently visited Palis,- and took the opportunity fcp find out the position of the French air service, .and/lio camo to the conclusion that the British scrvco at the front .was as 'good, if not belter, than that of any of the combitants.

Mr. Joynson Hicks withdrew his amendment.

BULGAR KlNfi AND AUSTRIAN EMPEROR PRAYERFUL COMMUNION AT BREAKFAST. Br IVlegrapli—Press Association—OopyriEht (."Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. February 17, 7.40 p.m.) London, February .16. A German wireless message states that King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, and the Emperor Franz-Josef of Austria, at broakfast at Sclioenbmn Castle, prayed for God's blessing. The Emperor referred touchingiy to the trusting sympathy between the Austrians- and the Bulgarians, and King Ferdinand replied: "Bulgaria is standing against the hydra-headed enemy, and praying for a lasting and honourable peace, which" will com)Kuisato u«i for our enormous sacrifices."